It's one of many similar activities I see listed in senior newsletters, calendars and program guides. They have different names but the common goal is to address concerns about memory loss and brain sharpness with age. Each is a little different; most encourage socialization and imagination, not rigorous drills.

In my mid-70s, I think I'm doing OK cognitively but I am interested in what is normal forgetfulness, what might be worrisome and what helps to sharpen memory and build cognitive resilience. I certainly find I don't remember names as well, even temporarily blanking on those of people I've known for some time. I go into a room to get something and don't always remember what I came to retrieve. And I'm bemused when I forget whether I actually did something or simply thought about doing it without following through. I've left my laptop or cell phone behind more than once.

So, as I noticed a growing number of workshops and programs on memory are being offered at local senior centers, I wanted to drop by, observe and talk to the members. Here are my top 10 tips — the ones I found most helpful.

1. "It's all about slowing down and paying attention," said Angela Sinnott, program director at the Duxbury Senior Center. "We live in such a busy world these days. We meet someone and a half hour later we can't remember their name — it's because we've already done 10 things since we met them. We have to be more mindful. We have to make the effort."

This is so general and basic that we forget how it matters. Senior center director Joanne Moore and Sinnott took a memory training course at the UCLA Longevity Center and have taught the skills to other trainers in Duxbury. More than 100 seniors have taken the memory training workshops in Duxbury; more will be offered. Call 781-934-5774.

2. Just as you do physical exercise to maintain your muscles, you can use mental exercises to strengthen your brain, firing or connecting the neurons. If you work with puzzles, remind yourself that the point isn't always to solve or complete it. "The point is to make your brain work," said Anne Marie Powers of the NVNA and Hospice's "Maintain Your Brain" program. This monthly class is presented at local senior centers and residences. Call NVNA at (781) 659-2342.

3. Make mental games fun with puzzles and word games that appeal to you. You'll come back for more and keep practicing simple techniques that build mental stamina.

4. Joining a group workshop or class can lend a lighter tone and provide positive feedback in a non-threatening way. You practice together and bond with others. You can take quizzes together and find out you are in good company.

5. Spark some emotions in your word associations and games. "The crazier the better," said senior center staffer Carol Boudrieau in Duxbury. To remember a name, associate it with something humorous or emotional. Sinnott suggests that if people want to remember her first name, Angela, they visualize a halo over her head.

6. Most people do not multitask well. Stick to the task at hand.

7. People have different styles of thinking and remembering — some learn visually, some by numbers or letters. Find what works for you.

8. Mix it up with your daily routine. If you are right-handed, brush your teeth or eat with your left hand. It forces your brain to work harder. You have to concentrate more and use the other side of your brain.

9. Take a class, try a new hobby, learn a new language, look up a new word in the dictionary and use it, play a musical instrument. You are using your brain in a new way and that can also give you a sense of accomplishment.

10. Socialize and be around other people. There are book clubs, art classes, church and theater activities. "Socializing is critical to feeling cognitively good," Kim Bennett, director of Visiting Angels of Marshfield, said in a memory program at the Weymouth Senior Center. "It makes you think differently and see different perspectives." Call Bennett at 781-834-6355.

LIFELONG LEARNING SIGNUP DELAYED -- Registration the the Lifelong Learning Program spring semester at the Duxbury Senior Center has been postponed from today until tomorrow due to the winter storm coming in this afternoon. Registration will now begin Wednesday Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the center and continue Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Please visit the website for full information

You may also call 781- 934 - 5774. The center is located at 10 Mayflower St., Duxbury, MA 02332

Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com, 617-786-7044, or The Patriot Ledger, P.O. Box 699159, Quincy 02269-9159. Read her Good Age blog on our website. Follow her on Twitter @ sues_ledger.

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